Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE:UBER, ETR:UT8) shares jumped more than 7% on Tuesday following the launch of a fully autonomous robotaxi service in Atlanta, integrating Waymo’s self-driving Jaguar I-PACE vehicles directly into the Uber app.
The service allows riders to be matched with driverless electric vehicles alongside traditional human-driven rides.
It covers approximately 65 square miles, including areas from Capitol View to downtown and Buckhead.
Riders cannot specifically request a Waymo vehicle but can opt in to increase their chances of receiving a robotaxi. Once matched, passengers may accept the autonomous ride or switch to a human-driven Uber.
The vehicles operate fully driverless on surface streets within the designated zone but do not currently serve highways or airport trips.
Rides cost the same as UberX, Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric services, with no extra fees or tipping required.
Uber handles vehicle charging, maintenance, cleaning, and app management, while Waymo oversees the autonomous driving technology, roadside assistance, and some rider support.
Waymo’s Atlanta fleet includes dozens of vehicles, with plans to expand to the hundreds over time, sharing resources with the Austin fleet.
Unlike Waymo’s other markets, where the service runs exclusively through the Waymo One app, Atlanta uses a hybrid model that integrates robotaxis into Uber’s platform alongside conventional rides.
Waymo currently provides approximately 250,000 paid rides weekly across Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Shares of Uber added 7.3% at about $91.50 late morning on Tuesday.